10 Tips for Everyday Health

In our fast paced lives it’s hard to make time to eat right, and exercise. However, bad habits have a way of creeping up on you that can be detrimental to your health. Maybe its time you start thinking about how to change your everyday health!

1. Lose WeightIts no wonder why losing weight is one of the most popular new years resolution, because 66% of the American population is overweight. Many people want to lose weight and even more try but fail to get anywhere with it. Make this the time you succeed. Sit down and write out your goals. Set a plan on what you will do to meet these goals. If you need some extra motivation get your friends and family involved. Nutritionists and personal trainers can help you with meal planning and exercise routines.

2. ExerciseExercise should be a part of everyone’s daily activities. People think it’s hard to fit exercise into ones busy schedule. But really all you need is 20 minutes of heart pumping activity a day. Plan out your schedule for the week and schedule time to exercise. Whether its getting up 30 minutes early in the morning or taking 20 minutes on your lunch break, make the time and actually do it. You can also make small changes such as taking the stairs or parking farther away from the door to increase your exercise time.

3. Eat HealthierIts easy to get into a habit of eating on the go, stopping for fast food, or snacking on highly processed, high sugar, high calories foods. However this type of diet will just pack on the pounds and increase your risk for heart disease, diabetes, and high cholesterol. Stop gorging on fast food and start preparing your meals ahead of time. Plan you meals a week at a time. Bring your lunch and snacks from home. Swap out soda with water and always bring a bottle of water with you wherever you go.

4. Eat BreakfastEveryone knows that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but many people skip it for whatever reason. Start eating breakfast to jump-start your day. Make time in the morning to eat something healthy. It will wake you up, boost your metabolism, increase your energy level and enhance your brain function.

5. Drink More WaterOur body’s water supply needs to be replenished on a daily basis. Dehydration can lead to symptoms of fatigue, moodiness, dizziness, and headaches. Although everyone’s water needs are different. It is recommended to drink 8, 8 ounce glasses of water a day. Water also helps to cleanse the body, flush out toxins and it keeps our skin supple.

6. Fruits and VegetablesFruits and vegetables are a necessary part of anyone’s diet. Most people don’t get their daily servings of fruits and vegetables because they prefer to grab high calorie junk food available at convenient stores. Fruits and vegetables contain valuable nutrients that our bodies need to fight off disease, to repair cell damage and to function on a daily basis. Fruits and vegetables are loaded with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants and are a great source of fiber and complex carbohydrates. Next time your looking for a snack grab a piece of fruit or cut up some veggies to snack on.

7. Quit SmokingEveryone knows that smoking is bad for your health. People try to quit all the time. It is shown that people who try to quit will actually quit four times before they actually do. Make this your time to quit for good. If you are unable to quit cold turkey there are plenty of products available to help. There are other alternatives as well such as hypnosis, acupuncture and therapy.

8. Stop DrinkingAlmost as bad as smoking is drinking alcohol. Not only is drinking added calories which can add to weight gain, drinking damages your liver leading to risk of psoriasis and liver cancer. Plus as you get older drinking just takes time away from actually living your life. Having a drink every night or binging on the weekends. Choose a different activity than hitting the bars, something that you enjoy that doesn’t involve drinking.

9. SleepWhen we sleep it allows are brain to reboot and our body to repair and regenerate. The less time we sleep the less time our body gets to restore optimal function. Sleep is a necessary part of life and its best if you get 6-8 hours a night. When you get enough sleep you wake up feeling refreshed and you don’t have bags under your eyes. Start going to bed early and will notice the difference in not only your appearance but also you energy level, mood and brain function.

10. Lower StressIt’s hard in today society to go one day without some kind of stress. Stress is all around us, in our homes, at work, with the government and world. We live in a stressed out nation and its hard not to be overwhelmed by stress, worry and anxiety. The trick is how you manage the stress. Stress management techniques can be as simple as taking a walk, talking to a friend or taking a hot bath. Learn ways to destress so you wont burn out or get sick. Because stress can deplete your immune system leaving you susceptible to disease. Remember to stop and breath so stress doesn’t overcome you, which can lead to fatigue, depression or rage. Yoga, meditation, and exercise are great natural ways to relieve stress on a daily basis.